bagpipes

Some historians believe that bagpipes originate from ancient Egypt and were brought to Scotland by invading Roman Legions. Others maintain that the instrument was brought over the water by the colonising Scots tribes from Ireland. Ancient Egypt does appear to have prior claim to the instrument however; from as early as 400 BC the ‘pipers of Thebes’ are reported to have been blowing pipes made from dog skin with chanters of bone. And several hundred years later, one of the most famous exponents of the pipes is said to have been the great Roman Emperor Nero, who may well have been piping rather than fiddling whilst Rome burned. Whilst historians can only speculate on the actual origins of the piob mhor, or great Highland bagpipe, it was the Highlanders themselves that developed the instrument to its current form, establishing it as their national musical instrument both in times of war and peace. In the Scottish Lowlands, pipers were part of the travelling minstrel class, performing at weddings, feasts and fairs throughout the Border country, playing song and dance music. Highland pipers on the other hand, appear to have been more strongly influenced by their Celtic background and occupied a high and honoured position. It is considered that by the 1700s the piper had started to replace the harpist as the prime Celtic musician of choice within the Clan system. Source: www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-Piob-...

‘Garth House’ was a grand home set in large, expansive grounds. Wickham Terrace soon developed into a very fashionable address as it was built along a ridgeline that provided views of the City and the Brisbane River. Most of these large, grand homes (eg. ‘Innisfail’) have been demolished as business premises replaced residences along Wickham Terrace. This residence underwent a number of ownership changes. Munce sold the property to draper Alexander Stewart on 29 May 1871. Being a Scottish migrant, Stewart was renowned for having his coachman wear full highland dress while blowing his bagpipes, on special occasions designated by Stewart. Source: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/1626#:~:text....

...In February 1900 Ceannt, along with Edward Martyn founded Cumann na bPíobairí (The Pipers Club). Ceannt's musical talents earned him a gold medal at the 1906 Oireachtas and in 1905 he even put on a performance for Pope Pius X. It is said that the main language in the Pipers Club was Irish and played a role in reviving Irish music. ... From - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89amonn_Ceannt Ed. - The Pope performance happened in 1908 (not 1905). It was the Pope's Jubilee in Rome. Read All About It via Trove - trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169902340?searchTerm=c...

Fascinating (for me!) to hear what Uilleann Pipes sound like - youtu.be/aF3fW4Nox9U Also of interest - youtu.be/zzy0ncy32Co His brother [??] talks about him - youtu.be/8CmQrdlBrRM

In Drogheda during the week at the Fleadh Cheoil I saw a number of young people playing the Uileann Pipes with gusto. Eamonn Ceannt and the late Seamus Ennis would have been so proud!

Swordscookie Very few use the regulators these days. It’s a shame. I have an LP of Leo Rowsome. Mighty playing.

Robin Parkes The first LP on the Claddagh label Rí na bPíobairí by Leo Rowsome in 1969.

'The Gay Gordons' The Gordon Highlanders were a regiment in the British army, it existed for a little over a hundred years before being merged with the Queen’s Own Highlanders in 1994. The regiment gained distinction in many military campaigns throughout their history from North Africa, France and Italy all the way to Singapore, India and Burma. Perhaps the most famous story from the annals of Gordon Highlander history is the story of George Findlater, a junior piper in the regiment. During an assault in what today is Pakistan, Findlater was shot in both legs and stranded in the middle of the battlefield. In order to keep his regiment inspired, Findlater continued playing the pipes – The Haugh’s O’Cromdale apparently. Findlater was awarded the VC for gallantry and became something of a national hero. But let’s leave discussions of war for another day, we have dancing to talk about. Source; www.scotlandshop.com/us/tartanblog/unleash-your-inner-tar...